Manchester United lining up Thomas Vermaelen bid?

Manchester United are reportedly lining up a bid for Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen.

The Belgian international, who has not played since the start of January, has made 11 appearances for the Gunners this season.

With Nemanja Vidic to leave the Red Devils at the end of the campaign, manager David Moyes is looking to make an offer to bring Vermaelen to Old Trafford this summer, according to Sports Direct News.

The report goes on to suggest that United will face competition from Serie A club Napoli, who are now managed by Rafael Benitez.

Asked earlier in the season if Vermaelen would sign a new contract at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said: "I'm open to it, I'm ready to extend his contract.

"Of course we want Thomas Vermaelen to be happy and to have the number of games a player of his class deserves."

The centre-back has made 103 appearances for the North London outfit in his five years at the club, scoring 13 times in the process.